Severe weather prompts heightened readiness

BOSTON – The Coast Guard is increasing its readiness capabilities today due to offshore weather predictions calling for rough winds and seas in New England.

The Coast Guard cutters Escanaba, based in Boston, and Juniper, based in Newport, R.I., will be offshore and ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

Additionally, the cutters Sanibel, of Woods Hole, Mass., and Grand Isle, of Gloucester, Mass., have made preparations to get underway four hours sooner than required after being directed to on a typical day.

Aviators from Air Station Cape Cod, Mass., broadcast severe weather warnings to offshore boaters this morning, and several privately-owned vessel tracking companies are following suit.

The National Weather Service is calling for 35-50 knot winds and 15-25 foot seas.

“We hope that mariners will heed the warnings issued by the National Weather Service and take necessary precautions in anticipation of this dangerous storm,” said Senior Chief Francis Condon of the First District Command Center.